Islip Messenger Archive Feb. 06, 2025

Catalina Unanimously Confirmed as SCPD Commissioner

By Matt Meduri

Wednesday, County Executive Ed Romaine

announced Suffolk County Deputy Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina as his nomination for the department’s full-time commissioner.

Commissioner Robert Waring served in an acting capacity for the last year under the condition he would return to his post as SCPD Police Chief.

Catalina then went before the Suffolk County Legislature’s Public Safety Committee for a de facto “job interview,” before his nomination was submitted to the full eighteen-member horseshoe.

At Thursday’s general meeting, Catalina was unanimously confirmed as the SCPD’s next Police Commissioner.

Continued on page 4

Legislator Flotteron Hosts Public Safety Presentation

By Cait Crudden

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters), in collaboration with the Women of West Islip and the West Islip School District, hosted an insightful and timely presentation at Beach Street Middle School in West Islip. The event featured Sergeant Richard Tedesco of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office (pictured left), who provided crucial information on Social Media Awareness, Vaping and Drug Use, and Human Trafficking. Over thirty-five parents and children attended the event, highlighting the community’s interest in these pressing issues.

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Legislator Flotteron has consistently worked alongside the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments to enhance public safety efforts.

Continued on page 10

Credit - Cait Crudden

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(R-Center Moriches)

Catalina (center) joined by family, his father ‘Jack’ (left, ‘thumbs up’) and County Clerk Puleo (right)

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Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Supervisor Carpenter’s Corner

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter

Carpenter’s Corner

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Welcome to the February edition of Carpenter’s Corner! February is known as the month of love both for oneself and others, while the shortest month of the year, it has a lot of heart.

In December 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson (DTX) issued a proclamation declaring February 1964 as the first “American Heart Month” to bring awareness to heart disease, its effects, and precautions. Doing so, he established the month as a time to raise awareness about heart disease.

Originally created to spotlight the disease that is the leading cause of death among both men and women, this acknowledgment has enabled healthcare professionals, scientists, and advocates to improve patient care and raise public awareness of risks and prevention. Learning the differences in how heart disease presents itself is also crucial. Currently, symptoms associated with heart disease and heart attack such as chest pain and chest tightness are the symptoms men typically experience. As for women’s heart disease, they experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue. These differences often lead women to mistake heart disease for gastrointestinal problems or anxiety. This has resulted in women being uninformed of their likelihood of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and other cardiac ailments.

In 2004, the “Go Red for Women” campaign was launched by the American Heart Association as a call to action for women to advocate for their heart health. Over the past 20 years, this advocacy has helped researchers learn that heart disease symptoms and risk factors change dramatically for women compared to men.

Happy Heart Month!

Take the time to know your risk of heart disease. Take action toward better health by learning more at https://www.goredforwomen.org/.

While this disease presents differently in men and women, the steps towards prevention are the same. The Red Cross and American Heart Association suggests the following tips: know your risk, eat a healthy diet, regularly check your blood pressure and cholesterol, watch your weight, and be physically active. Anyone can be affected by heart disease, but seniors are at significantly higher risk. The Town of Islip offers valuable amenities for residents across the township, from fitness and Tai Chi classes to line dancing and Zumba sessions, there are a variety of programs offered to help ensure an active lifestyle.

Additional programs and information can be found at: https://islipny.gov/departments/seniorcitizens-services.

Further inspired by love, “P.S. I Love You Day” is a local initiative that aims to spread awareness about the effects of bullying and the importance of destigmatizing discussion around mental health and suicide.

In 2010, Brooke and Jaimie DiPalma lost their father to suicide. A retired NYPD Officer, Joseph DiPalma, Jr. was an active member of the West Islip community. Joe dedicated over thirty-five years to the West Islip Fire Department and other community groups and established a legacy of giving back. In the wake of his death, the West Islip community was struck again

with tragedy, when a senior at the West Islip High School took their own life.

With these events close to her heart, Brooke started the “P.S. I Love You Day” campaign which has since grown to include over 639 schools, businesses, organizations, and communities across the nation.

“P.S. I Love You Day” takes place annually on the second Friday of February, this year it aligns with Valentine’s Day, falling on February 14. Join the community in celebrating “P.S. I Love You Day” by wearing PURPLE on Friday, February 14.

Love is in the air this February as many celebrate Valentine’s Day. Each year, the Town Clerk’s office hosts special Valentine’s Day weddings commemorating the day of love with extended hours from 8:30a.m. to 8:00p.m. to accommodate as many couples as possible. Throughout the year, the Town Clerk’s office offers wedding services every Friday from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Appointments can be made in person, and couples can invite up to twenty of their closest friends and family. Each wedding service is given a thirtyminute allotment. Valentine’s Day couples will enjoy their walk down the aisle with a romantic ambience on the most popular day to celebrate love and union.

The Town Clerk’s office also issues passports. As of May 7, 2025, new changes and restrictions to domestic travel will mean that the use of Real ID or passports is vital to travel. Passport photos are taken on-site, and applications may be submitted Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. If you have any upcoming travel plans, please be sure to have relevant and updated identification in advance!

February is also National Black History Month. The Town of Islip is proud to recognize Black History during the month of February, and throughout the year. Our Town celebrates the diverse cultures and heritages of its residents, and Black History Month represents an opportunity for all residents to celebrate and acknowledge the numerous contributions of their neighbors, volunteers, and professionals from the Black community who help to enrich the Town every day.

Make certain you keep up-todate with the latest news and events in our Town by following our social media accounts, or by visiting the Town’s website found here: https:// linktr.ee/townofislipny.

If you have not yet done so, stay informed on important Town news, alerts, and weather-related emergency information by signing up for our E-Alerts here: https:// islipny.gov/notify-me.

Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) has served as Islip Town Supervisor since 2016. She has previously served as Suffolk County Treasurer and as a Suffolk County Legislator, including Deputy Presiding Officer.

Islip Town Hall is located at 655 Main Street in Islip. The Supervisor’s office is located on the second floor and can be reached at 631-224-5500 or at supervisorsoffice@islipny.gov.

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Continued from front cover

County News

February 6, 2025

Catalina Unanimously Confirmed as SCPD Commissioner

Joined by friends, family, and a host of law enforcement leaders and personnel, Catalina laid out his résumé for the edification of the full Legislature.

Catalina started his law enforcement career in 1992 as a police officer in South Jamaica with the NYPD. After six years at that post, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He then moved to northern Queens, working in an area covering Jackson Heights and Corona. He was then invited to interview for the Queens Gang Squad in 1999, the time at which the area was first encountering members of the deadly gang MS-13.

Catalina also played a role in the search-and-rescue efforts following the September 11 Attacks, where he spent nearly a month in the morgue helping identify remains from the tragedy.

He was then promoted to lieutenant and put back in Queens, followed by a promotion to captain two years later. He then ran the Gang Squad for the entire borough of Queens.

“In order to move up in rank, they [the NYPD] like you to run precincts in Harlem,” said Catalina, which he credits with his deep understanding of community policing.

“Harlem is a community that cares deeply about itself. I met a lot of great community partners there and it really got me to understand the value of community policing at that level,” said Catalina.

After five years in Harlem, Catalina then ran the Forty-Fourth Precinct in the Bronx, a jurisdiction of about 100,000 residents. He then ran city-wide gang enforcement thereafter.

“We developed the strategies and techniques to go after gangs on a larger level and we were very, very successful in continuing to drive down violent crime at that point and got into historic lows,” said Catalina, adding that he and his team got the violent crime rate down to the low-300s, from a staggering 2,000-plus when he started in New York City since 1992.

He then served as the Operations Commander for Manhattan North, running twelve precincts and helping facilitate safety for events like the New York City Marathon and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Afterward, Catalina served in the Operational and Analytical Section of the Intelligence Bureau, the core of NYC’s covert counter-terrorism operations.

It was after a year in that post that Catalina was approached by friend and colleague Sheriff Errol Toulon (D) to work in the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office.

Catalina said it was a “tough decision” to leave his job and tenure in the city, but said that he is “certainly glad” he made the move. He worked with Toulon as an under-sheriff and worked closely with the intelligence side of corrections, particularly data mining.

“It was always a lifelong dream of mine to be a South County Police Officer, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” said Catalina, calling Toulon a “mentor and friend.”

No Legislators had questions for Catalina, but instead, remarks and praise and optimism for Suffolk’s safety going forward.

“Thank you for accepting the position. We’re happy to have you on board,” said Majority Leader Nick Caracappa (C-Selden).

Deputy Presiding Officer and Chair of the Public Safety Committee

Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwars) echoed these sentiments.

“I’ve already been working with you for over five years. Besides your resume, you always stood out; quiet strength and intelligence,” said Flotteron. “I think we’re very fortunate to have you here in this

county, which is one of the safest counties in the country, and let’s even make it safer.”

“Congratulations in advance. We’re very excited that you are choosing to serve,” said Legislator Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station).

Following a unanimous vote, Catalina approached the horseshoe for the oath of office. Joined by his wife, daughters, and father, John “Jack” Catalina, Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) offered a touching sentiment.

“Your mother would be very proud of you,” said Richberg, alluding to the recent passing of Catalina’s mother just weeks before his nomination and confirmation.

Catalina was then administered the oath of office by Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset), along with Executive Romaine’s signing of the resolution, making his position as Commissioner official.

Catalina told reporters afterward that he “studied” and “admired” his various mentors throughout his decades in law enforcement.

Catalina remarked that one of his and his team’s crowning achievements was the effective solving of the catalytic converter crime spree, which he says came down to just several individuals responsible for thousands of thefts across the Tri-State area. He also reiterated his previously-shared statements on violent crime.

“One violent crime is one violent crime too many. It’s a tremendous responsibility, but it’s a responsibility that I welcome and am in favor of,” Catalina told reporters.

Catalina also shared that his last six years within Suffolk law enforcement has helped him in understanding the various communities and the different needs they have. He credits much of his community relationship-building to Deputy Commissioner Belinda Alvarez-Groneman, alongside whom he served as a codeputy until his confirmation on Tuesday.

“It’s super important to have those relationships so we can have honest conversations about what might have occurred and how to fix it,” said Catalina.

Catalina told The Messenger that one of his top priorities remains the opioid epidemic and safer roadways, particularly with the disruptive and potentiallydeadly drag races and sideshows perpetrated deliberately by out-of-towners who treat Suffolk’s more rural attributes as a personal vehicular playground. Some instances have severely delayed first responders and have blocked off parking lots and shopping centers from regular traffic.

“Roadways are still too dangerous in Suffolk County and that’s something we’re certainly going to consider,” Catalina told The Messenger. “I think that’s bad for law enforcement, it’s bad for the people of Suffolk County, and, quite frankly, it makes us look impotent and the public hates to see it and we hate to see it.”

Photo Credit - Matt Meduri

Catalina after receiving the oath of office from Clerk Puleo (Credit - Matt Meduri)

Catalina joined by friends, family, Executive Romaine, and the Suffolk County Legislature after his swearing-in (Credit - Matt Meduri)

D.A. Tierney Launches’ Operation Bloodhound’ to Combat Animal Cruelty

By Raheem Soto

Suffolk County has launched a major initiative to crack down on animal abuse. The operation, named “Operation Bloodhound,” is focused on holding animal abusers accountable and ensuring that offenders are punished for their crimes. Spearheaded by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney (R) and his Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST), the initiative partners with the Suffolk County Police Department.

The operation focuses on enforcing laws related to animal cruelty and ensuring that those who violate the law face consequences. Suffolk County law enforcement agencies have already conducted surprise compliance checks, warrant sweeps, and coordinated efforts to apprehend animal abusers who violate court orders or other legal requirements.

“We are committed to making sure that individuals who break the law and abuse animals will be held accountable for their actions,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our work doesn’t stop at the courtroom. We are making sure that those who ignore court orders and evade justice will be found and prosecuted.”

During the initial phase of the operation, several individuals were arrested for violating legal requirements related to animal abuse. Four individuals were arrested for failing to renew their registration on Suffolk County’s Animal Abuse Offender Registry. This registry is essential for tracking individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses. It is part of a broader effort to ensure offenders are held accountable.

Three individuals arrested had previously pleaded guilty to dogfighting-related charges. In one case, a woman from Calverton was found in possession of eight dogs despite a court order that prohibited her from owning animals while her animal cruelty case was pending. Additionally, a man from Mastic Beach, who had been banned from owning animals for ten years due to a previous conviction for neglect, was found keeping four cats. This individual was also arrested for failing to register on the Animal Abuse Offender Registry.

In another high-profile case, authorities arrested a man from Patchogue after discovering over a dozen pit bulls living in unsanitary and malnourished conditions in his basement. Evidence suggested that the dogs were being trained for dogfighting, with weighted collars and makeshift training equipment found at the scene. The man, who had a history of animal abuse, was convicted on multiple felony counts and sentenced to five years in prison.

tracked down in Virginia. The successful pursuit of these individuals demonstrates the operation’s effectiveness and law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring that offenders face justice, regardless of location.

Suffolk County Acting Police Commissioner Robert Waring emphasized the importance of the operation in protecting vulnerable animals.

“It is our job to ensure that animals, who can’t speak for themselves, are protected from those who would harm them,” Waring said. “I commend the District Attorney’s office and the Warrant Enforcement Section for their ongoing efforts to enforce the law and hold animal abusers accountable.”

While the operation has already seen significant progress, law enforcement is committed to continuing its efforts to ensure that all individuals convicted of animal cruelty face the full consequences of their actions. Authorities are closely monitoring individuals who have been convicted of animal cruelty to ensure that they comply with court-ordered restrictions. Many of these individuals have remained compliant, demonstrating the effectiveness of strict oversight.

“We are focused on prosecuting these cases and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions,” said the D.A.’s office. “We are committed to making sure that animal cruelty cases are taken seriously, and there will be no leniency for those who try to evade the law.”

“We are committed to making sure that individuals who break the law and abuse animals will be held accountable for their actions. Our work doesn’t stop at the courtroom. We are making sure that those who ignore court orders and evade justice will be found and prosecuted.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney

A woman from Brentwood was also arrested as part of the operation after authorities discovered she was hoarding more than fifty cats in unsanitary conditions. Many of the cats were suffering from untreated infections and malnutrition. The woman pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges and was sentenced to probation. In addition to probation, she was ordered to undergo mental health treatment and was permanently banned from owning animals.

One of Operation Bloodhound’s key components is the Warrant Squad, which tracks down individuals who have failed to appear in court for animal cruelty charges. Some offenders have gone to great lengths to evade the law. Still, law enforcement has been persistent in locating and arresting them.

In one case, a man accused of stealing a kitten from the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation attempted to fight back when officers tried to arrest him. Another suspect, wanted for abandoning an animal, was

Operation Bloodhound is about holding offenders accountable and preventing future crimes. By aggressively prosecuting those who abuse animals and enforcing strict penalties, authorities hope to send a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Suffolk County. The goal is to deter potential offenders from committing similar crimes by demonstrating that the legal system will take swift and decisive action.

Authorities hope that Operation Bloodhound’s ongoing work will protect animals in the county. As more offenders are arrested and convicted, law enforcement believes it will create a deterrent effect that could reduce future instances of animal cruelty.

While many offenders have already been arrested and convicted, Operation Bloodhound’s work is far from over. Authorities are determined to continue their efforts to ensure that all individuals who have harmed animals are brought to justice. The initiative is ongoing, and law enforcement is committed to tracking down additional offenders and ensuring that all court orders and sentences related to animal cruelty are enforced.

For Suffolk County residents, Operation Bloodhound serves as a reminder that authorities are dedicated to protecting animals and holding those who harm them accountable. With the ongoing support of the District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies, the operation is expected to continue to make a significant impact on the fight against animal cruelty.

Operation Bloodhound is an ongoing effort to combat animal cruelty in Suffolk County. Through collaboration between the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office and the Suffolk County Police Department, the operation ensures that animal abusers face justice. As law enforcement continues to monitor offenders and enforce court orders, authorities are committed to sending a message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated. The operation is expected to continue its work to protect animals and hold offenders accountable for their actions.

February 6, 2025

Kevin Catalina an Excellent Choice for SCPD Commissioner

County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and all eighteen members of the Legislature - both parties - made an excellent choice in selecting Catalina to lead the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) going forward.

The Messenger thanks former acting commissioner Robert Waring for his service and we hope he finds fulfillment in returning to the post he had desired, Chief of Police.

Catalina’s ascension to the post comes at a pivotal time in Suffolk’s growth. As New York’s population shrinks, Suffolk’s seems to be growing in certain areas, attracting many from across the island and the city. A growing population means behavior changes and the increased probability of crime.

Luckily, thanks to the work of D.A. Tierney (R), Sheriff Errol Toulon (D), and company, violent crime is at its lowest it’s been in the county since the State began monitoring the statistic in 1960.

But Catalina rightfully does not intend to rest on his laurels and made it clear to us that the opioid epidemic and roadway safety are his top priorities.

The State’s investment in the Crime Analysis Center at Police HQ in Yaphank, thanks in part to Governor Kathy Hochul (D) - we can call balls and strikes here - will help

create a more cohesive and data-driven crimefighting environment, one in which we’ve already seen highspeed pursuits called off due to confidence of apprehending criminals later.

Additionally, officials across all levels of government have been committed to fighting human trafficking, perhaps the most pressing and disturbing epidemic facing our country right now. There is intelligence that trafficking is happening in Suffolk, and officials have held multiple panels, task force seminars, and public presentations to safeguard neighborhoods and children.

Catalina’s impressive résumé, which dates back to 1992 to various divisions and regions within the NYPD, contains counter-terrorism intelligence and Gang Squad membership. In our opinion, Catalina is uniquely equipped to lead the county’s law enforcement through an unprecedented era of organized crime, especially regarding opioids and human trafficking.

As evidenced by the unanimous backing of the Legislature, Catalina is a sound pick who will make one of the nation’s safest counties even safer.

Dems Learn Nothing at Nominating Convention

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) held their nominating contests over the last couple weeks to select a new party leader with the intention of saving the party from the brink of extinction.

It seems, however, they’re still grappling with basic issues that cost them the 2024 election in a historically stunning fashion.

The convention was incredibly contentious, featuring an onslaught of interruptions from panicked audience members. The commotion could not be quelled after dozens of attempts from moderator Symone D. Sanders, host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, former national press secretary for Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) 2016 presidential campaign, and former senior advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA).

Panelists engaged in a series of questions among potential candidates to lead the DNC, which included notable state party chairmen, Dr. Quintessa Hathaway (DAR) - a former AR-02 congressional candidate who chose to sing during her opening statement - and Marianna Williamson, self-help author and dark-horse presidential candidate in 2020 and 2024.

Candidates were asked, by a show of hands, how many believed that racism and misogyny played a role in Harris’ loss in November.

Every single one of them, without hesitation, raised their hands, to which the panelist replied, “You all passed.”

The major problem is not that they assumed this as a truth without hesitation, but none of them asked for metrics. Did racism and misogyny place a 5% role in Harris’ loss? Was it a 50% role? Was it a 90% role?

We’re inclined to believe it made little impact, considering that the vast majority of the country is not that shallow, but also because Democrats focus on race and sex more than any other party.

The panelists and candidates themselves during the DNC proceedings made this known, with Sanders, a black woman, demanding that protestors stopped interjecting because she is a “black woman” who “deserves” to be heard.

We don’t argue Sanders isn’t worth listening to, but to assert she has a right to be heard as a result of her appearance is not just intelligence-insulting, it’s a horrible strategy to continue.

Social issues played a part in this election, but second, in our opinion, to economics and national security, the two basic responsibilities of any government. But it’s no secret that the general populace, even populist Democrats, are tired of being lectured by people who claim to know and experience more than them simply because they’re what some would refer to as “woke.”

Furthermore, on the race/sex question posed to the candidates, it’s almost impossible to quantify just how much an implicit bias might have altered an election. Polling every person who voted is a fool’s errand and trying to get them to admit to their deepest prejudices and faults is a non-starter.

So, why languish over that point? And why not give metrics, conditions, or specifics under which such a loss could have occurred. The blanket assumption was immediately palatable to all DNC chair nominees on the stage, who raised their hands without a second thought, and were patted on the head like “good little boys and girls” who answered a test question correctly.

The Democrats ended up settling on Ken Martin, former Minnesota State Democratic Party Chairman, who’s a mixed bag of mixed bags.

On one hand, Martin says he’s not afraid of “going low” if candidates go high, insinuating he’s not afraid to throw punches. Not a bad strategy, especially when your only option is to go on offense. However, he’s also implied that business as usual will continue within the DNC, which should frighten Democratic voters, volunteers, and operatives to their core. Losing core constituencies over the course of three cycles isn’t a social contagion, it’s a watershed realignment.

Martin also made the mistake of delineating “good billionaires” from “bad billionaires,” essentially saying that the Democratic Party will accept help and resources from billionaires who align with their values.

The party of “rooting out corruption and dark money in elections” can’t really call shots like that. Furthermore, the progressive wing of the party has lost the plot on wealth and success, equating nearly all of it evil and avarice. By default, billionaires should be completely irredeemable in their eyes, regardless of how much they agree with the platform.

But that’s not Martin’s ideology, and simply chastising Donald Trump (R-FL) for having billionaires in his Cabinet doesn’t work, especially when Democrats seem to think that outspending Republicans by massive ratios will win them elections.

On the national stage it hasn’t, and even on the local stage - D.A. election in 2021, the County Executive election in 2023, and the NY-01 election in 2024 all featured Republicans being largely outspent by Democrats only to lose in landslides.

The cognitive dissonance precedes them, and instead of at least trying to implement populist-progressive policies like paid family leave and a higher minimum wage, Democrats will eagerly accept blank checks from the same oligarchs they claim to hate.

Win or lose, Democratic campaigns and their consultants cash in every time. Expect nothing new from the Democratic Party at this current juncture.

How Should the Three Village Teacher Be Treated for Anti-Trump Post?

By Steve Levy | Long Island Life and Politics

How should a school district deal with a teacher who expresses extremely partisan views and hopes that her political enemies choke?

It’s not as easy a call as some people think it is.

Many will be quick to say that a teacher should be able to post anything he or she desires as an exercise of their First Amendment rights. Others will say that they must be more neutral on these sites and be disciplined to avoid expressing extreme opinions since they are a reflection of the district.

We figure that the correct answer lies somewhere in the middle and must be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The First Amendment must be cherished, and each individual has to retain the ability to say whatever he or she pleases, as long as it doesn’t advocate violence toward others.

But it must be remembered that the First Amendment relates only to an individual being free from being prosecuted by the state for his or her opinions. It does not necessarily pertain to how an employer can react to one’s posts or opinions.

You have every right to trash your employer on social media. And he or she has the right to fire you for doing so.

A teacher has the right to say whatever he or she wants without having the government prosecute him.

But when can a school district say that the teacher has gone too far?

We believe that a teacher should be able to support or oppose any political

candidate they so desire.

Had the teacher merely trashed Donald Trump and his immigration policies, we would be hard-pressed to say that the school should discipline the teacher. It’s an entirely different thing, however, if the teacher is imposing her political bias on the students in the classroom.

But in this case, it looks like the teacher went far beyond that and was calling for her political enemies to suffer physical injury and possibly death.

Does the school have a right to say that’s a bridge too far? Do they have a right to insist on a standard that a teacher should not be espousing the pain or death of their fellow citizens?

We think in this case, given the gravity of the post, the school is within its rights to take disciplinary action. We would not feel the same way if she was merely criticizing her government or an elected official on her own private posts.

We understand that many opinions will be formed on this difficult issue. We recognize that it’s not clear-cut. That’s why we’ve taken a nuanced approach.

Let us know what you think.

This op-ed originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

The View from Albany: Put the Brakes on Electric Bus Mandate

By The Assembly Minority Conference

The disastrous Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which, so far, has amounted to little more than a list of unworkable mandates with an unlimited price tag, continues to stretch the laws of math and physics. As a result of the CLCPA, the 2023 budget included a provision demanding school districts begin purchasing zero-emission buses by 2027, and by 2035, districts will be expected to convert their entire fleet to electric vehicles. One analysis estimates the total cost of the mandate, excluding infrastructure and facility upgrades, ranges between $8 billion and $15.25 billion

The idea that rural school districts outside New York City can even begin to find funding for these vehicles is laughable. Residents, taxpayers and voters have expressed serious concerns about the idea, and school officials have indicated these purchases are unlikely to pass when residents vote on their school district budgets; numerous school districts recently voted down new bus purchases outside this expensive mandate.

As such, the Assembly Minority Conference has consistently called for a repeal of this mandate and for a full financial analysis of the CLCPA. Last year, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-Corning) introduced bill A.8447 to delay the mandate until 2045 or until all state agencies have converted their own fleets. It raises the obvious question: Why are the state’s school districts required to be the guinea pigs and undertake this transition before the state does?

Additionally, Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) introduced a separate piece of legislation alongside Sen. Joseph A. Griffo (R-Utica) (A.2005/S.3328) allowing districts to submit an opt-out waiver to the State Education Department. Not every district will opt out, but this would be a huge help to those that cannot feasibly make this transition so soon. Both pieces of legislation speak to the same problem: the astronomical cost of this electrification is callous and entirely unreasonable.

Energy policy can be complicated, but there’s a budget reality that’s very clear: When school budgets increase, property tax hikes are never far behind. Forcing New York schools to pay $15 billion to subsidize the green dreams of left-wing policymakers will come at a steep price for every taxpayer.

We all want a better environment. This mandate, though, is asking far too much of our rural districts, especially considering there are major concerns about the safety, reliability, repair costs and infrastructure needed to electrify the state’s bus fleet. One need only look at a recent bus fire in Massachusetts to see disaster on the horizon. And what about districts whose students live further than a given bus’s battery life? It is abundantly clear this law is not rooted in any real form of economics or common sense, and the sooner it is repealed, the less time, energy and money will be wasted trying to satisfy its unrealistic demands.

Dear Suffolk County Legislators,

Before the warm weather returns, I respectfully ask you to provide for the enforcement against public lewdness and indecent exposure (virtual nudity) on our County beaches. In recent years, it has been increasingly problematic to enjoy the beaches with our families that our taxes pay for.

As the pastor of my congregation and Christian school, and as a father and grandfather, I am concerned that our beaches are becoming no longer an option for many in our community, especially to children and adolescents.

Thank you for your consideration and, most importantly, decisive action.

Sincerely,

Rev. Ronald Stelzer

Our Savior Lutheran Church and

Our Savior New American School Centereach

8 County News

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Trump’s Tariffs: What It Means for Suffolk County

By Raheem Soto

Suffolk County has always been where hard work and local pride meet a growing economy. As President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) tariffs take center stage again, Suffolk residents are asking: Could these new trade policies be just what we need to boost local jobs, support small businesses, and help our communities thrive? Or will they put more strain on already tight budgets?

Before diving into how they affect us, let’s break down what Trump’s new tariffs actually are. The U.S. is now imposing a 25% tax on imported goods from Canada and Mexico, plus a 10% tariff on goods from China. These new tariffs are meant to reduce the flood of cheaper foreign goods entering the U.S. and push American companies to focus on local manufacturing.

At the time of this printing, Trump temporarily paused tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but they remain in effect for goods imported from China. While this pause on Canada and Mexico provides temporary relief for local businesses relying on imports from those countries, the ongoing tariffs on Chinese goods still hold significant weight.

Let’s talk about the construction industry first. Suffolk County is growing—new housing developments, shopping centers, and infrastructure projects are popping up all over the place. A lot of the materials used in these projects come from overseas, mostly steel and aluminum. Right now, these imports are cheap, but that means local manufacturers can’t compete. With these tariffs in place, all of a sudden, it’s a lot more expensive to import that stuff. That could be a game-changer for local steel companies, suppliers, and construction firms.

Instead of paying for steel from China or Canada, Suffolk construction companies might start looking closer to home for their materials. It could open the door for more manufacturing jobs here on Long Island. You might even see Suffolk County workers—who live in places like Ronkonkoma, Riverhead, and Brentwood—getting more opportunities to build the very projects they see around them. Not only does that mean a boost for our local economy, but it could also translate into better-paying, stable jobs.

Another sector that could see big benefits from Trump’s tariffs is Suffolk County’s fishing industry. For years, local fishermen have had to compete with cheap imports from places like China, which sell at lower prices than what Suffolk’s fishermen can offer. This makes it harder for local fishers to make a living when cheaper, lower-quality seafood is flooding the market.

Now, with tariffs making foreign seafood more expensive, restaurants and grocery stores might start to look back at local fish as a more affordable option. This could be the break that Suffolk’s seafood industry needs. Our local fishermen, especially those from Patchogue, Shirley, and Hampton Bays, could see more demand for their fresh

catches, which means more income and pride for our community.

As with any big shift, there are challenges that could affect everyday Suffolk residents. Businesses that depend on imported goods—retail stores, restaurants, and small manufacturers—could face higher prices because their suppliers will now pass down those tariff costs. And let’s face it, Suffolk County’s cost of living is already high enough without adding even more expenses to our day-to-day shopping and dining bills.

These tariffs could also impact gas prices. Since a lot of the oil and fuel we use comes from foreign countries, if import prices go up, we could see higher gas prices at the pump. With Suffolk’s sprawling suburban layout, many of us are already spending a lot of time driving to work, taking kids to school, or heading out to run errands. Higher fuel costs mean it could cost us even more just to go about our daily routines.

It’s no surprise that New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) is speaking out against Trump’s tariffs. She’s warned that the tariffs will hurt New Yorkers, especially in our trade-heavy state. According to her, Suffolk County, in particular, could feel the pinch, with high costs for businesses and families alike. But while Hochul has a point about potential price hikes, she’s been involved in her own set of costly policies.

Take, for example, the new congestion pricing plan coming to Manhattan. Under this policy, drivers who enter certain parts of New York City will face a charge of up to $23—just to drive through. Working-class New Yorkers who drive into the city will pay a hefty fee, but the rich and powerful will still have access to their state-funded cars. So, while Hochul talks about the burden on New Yorkers, she might want to look in the mirror. After all, her policies are adding more costs to working families who can barely afford to drive anywhere, let alone pay even higher taxes.

In the case of Trump’s tariffs, the idea is to protect and promote American industries, which could help stabilize the economy in the long run. If we’re focusing on self-sufficiency and pushing foreign competitors out, that’s a win for our workers, manufacturers, and local communities. This isn’t about making things more complicated for New Yorkers; it’s about leveling the playing field and bringing more jobs and business to Suffolk County.

Suffolk County is in an interesting position with these tariffs. There are plenty of opportunities for growth, particularly in manufacturing, construction, and fishing. But there’s also the chance that prices for everyday goods could go up, which would hurt consumers.

So, what’s the verdict? Well, only time will tell. But Trump’s tariffs are a chance to boost American jobs, strengthen local businesses, and make sure that more of Suffolk County’s dollars stay here at home. In the end, we’re betting on the long-term benefits that could eventually outweigh any short-term pain.

At the end of the day, these tariffs aren’t about making life harder for Suffolk County residents. They’re about making sure that American-made goods have a fighting chance against cheap imports. If we can protect local businesses, create more jobs, and improve the economy, then this move could be exactly what Suffolk County needs to keep growing and thriving. With the temporary pause on tariffs with Canada and Mexico providing some breathing room, there’s reason to believe these policies could lead to lasting success for Suffolk and the nation.

Police Rescue Jogger Stuck in Mud at Former Lake

By Hank Russell | Long Island Life and Politics

Suffolk County Police rescued a jogger after he got stuck in chest-high mud in the former lake at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown.

A jogger called 911 at 12:10p.m. on Tuesday to report he was lost in the park and stuck in chest-high mud in the former lake. The man’s dog wandered onto the mud and, as the man was attempting to retrieve the dog, he began to sink. Fourth Precinct officers, Emergency Service Section officers, and Aviation Section officers responded.

Aviation Section officers located the man less than thirty minutes later and hovered over the area until officers on the ground reached him.

Fourth Precinct Sergeant Katherine Kuzminski and Fourth Precinct Officer Richard Esposito entered the mud and attempted to pull out the man. After several minutes, Esposito successfully pulled him to shore and placed him in

his police vehicle to warm him to avoid hypothermia.

The jogger, 24, of Medford, was treated at the scene by members of the Village of Nissequogue and Town of Smithtown Fire Departments.

This article originally appeared in Long Island Life and Politics. For more from LILP, visit them online at lilifepolitics.com.

National, State, and Local Temperature Checks

By Matt Meduri

The Cabinet of President Donald Trump (R-FL) continues to take shape, with some of his most contentious picks having appeared before their respective Senate committees between last week and this week.

Of particular note is Trump’s nominee to lead the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (I-CA) (pictured below). Kennedy appeared before the Senate Finance Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, the latter of which weighed in on his nomination in a consultative state.

Kennedy cleared the Finance Committee in a party-line 14-13 vote. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) generated perhaps the most media buzz in their grilling of Kennedy’s possible intention to sue pharmaceutical companies. Campaign records show that Sanders and Warren have benefitted the most from “big pharma” companies in terms of campaign donations, compared to other members of the committee. Sanders rebuked Kennedy’s claim by stating those donations were from “workers” of the industry.

Kennedy now heads to the full Senate in what is likely to be the most consequential Cabinet pick of the new administration. Kennedy cannot afford to lose the support of more than three Republicans if all Democrats vote against him, a scenario seen as likely.

Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard (R-HI) is also facing an uphill battle on Capitol Hill. She cleared the Intelligence Committee in a party-line 9-8 vote. A full Senate vote will likely be scheduled later this week.

Trump’s pick in Kash Patel (R-NV) to lead the FBI is also proving to be a contentious pick. Patel, a graduate of Garden City High School, would not serve in the Cabinet proper, rather in a Cabinet-level status, as the FBI Director is typically categorized. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is pushing for a committee vote next week, calling further hearings on his nomination “unnecessary.”

(HUD).

Finally, another one of Trump’s somewhat contentious picks was also confirmed on Monday.

Pam Bondi (R-FL) was confirmed in a 52-46 vote to serve as Attorney General. No Democrats backed her.

In electoral news, Democrats received a massive shakeup that could not only hamper their slim chances of retaking the Senate in 2026, but could also cast them further into the minority.

Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) is declining to seek re-election in 2026. Peters was first elected to the open seat in 2014, followed by a tight race in 2020. Peters gained significant influence in the Senate by chairing the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Senate Homeland Security Committee both from 2021 to 2025.

The Suffolk and Nassau Police Benevolent Associations (PBA) has both released statements endorsing Patel: “Kash Patel’s nomination is a major win for law enforcement and national security,” said Lou Civello, President of the Suffolk County PBA. “As a Garden City resident, he understands the challenges our officers face on Long Island and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening law enforcement partnerships at every level.”

Thomas Shevlin, President of the Nassau County PBA, echoed Civello’s statement, emphasizing Patel’s deeprooted ties to Nassau County:

“We need leaders who not only support law enforcement but actively work to ensure our officers have the tools they need to keep our communities safe. Kash Patel has a proven track record in national security and law enforcement collaboration, making him the ideal candidate to lead the FBI.”

In the last week, a few of Trump’s nominees have officially been confirmed to lead their departments.

Of particular note, former Congressman and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) was confirmed to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last Wednesday. He was confirmed in a 56-42 vote, earning the support of all Republicans and three Democrats, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and John Fetterman (D-PA).

Former Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA), long a Trump surrogate, was easily confirmed to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs in a 77-23 vote. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) voted to confirm Collins, while Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) did not.

Chris Wright (R-CO) was confirmed last Wednesday in a 59-38 vote to lead the Energy Department, while Scott Turner (R-TX) was confirmed Tuesday in a 55-44 vote to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development

No Republican has won a Senate race in Michigan since 1994, making the party’s climb to claim at least one of the Wolverine State’s seats rather steep. However, with Michigan’s new competitive edge, and with Republicans’ better-than-expected races in 2018, 2020, and 2024, the 2026 election here is likely to prove one of the most competitive of the next federal cycle.

Democrats are attempting to recruit former Transportation Secretary and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg (D-MI). Originally an Indiana native, Buttigieg recently moved to Michigan with his husband and their children. A Buttigieg nomination could prove to be a problem for Democrats, as his pro-electric vehicle stances and the Biden Administration’s push for such mandates could alienate a significant chunk of Michigan’s workingclass, automobile industry.

Meanwhile, President Trump is shaking up the world stage.

Both Canada and Mexico have conceded to Trump’s demands on foreign policy, specifically the overall border crisis the U.S. faces. His threats of tariffs were widely panned, until Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to strike a deal.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio (RFL) also recently announced that, after a trip to Panama, the Panamanian government will halt a project that would have allowed the Chinese government to construct two ports on the vital trade route.

Moreover, Trump has remained steadfast in his quest to obtain Greenland for strategic purposes, especially as Russia’s incursion into Ukraine continues. Trump has also caused immense controversy for his plans for the Gaza Strip, at first suggesting that Palestinians be relocated to Egypt or Jordan, and now positing that the U.S. should take control of the Gaza Strip.

State

The College notes that Hochul has not seen her numbers above water since January 2024, and has never held a favorability rating above 50% since she

Startlingly for Hochul, 31% of voters say they’re keen on re-electing Hochul, but

New Yorkers also approve of deporting criminal illegal aliens by a 79%-11% margin - with 69% of Democrats supporting - while the same voters oppose deporting non-criminal illegal migrants by a margin of 42%-

However, voters believe by a wide margin of 42%-26% that Hochul’s proposed policies in the recently-aired executive budget, if enacted, would benefit the lives of everyday New Yorkers. She also earns good marks for her initiative on banning cell phones in schools during

Meanwhile, while Donald Trump has never had a net favorability rating in New York, the most recent numbers are his best ever, with a 41%-56% favorability rating, a net seven-point increase from December, and his job approval rating is unusually high for a Republican in New York, resting at 46%-51%.

When asked whether or not Trump will usher in a “new golden age” in the U.S., 48% of New Yorkers believe it’s likely, with 46% believing otherwise.

Local

The Suffolk County Legislature’s Minority Caucus has chosen to stick with current Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) (pictured above left) as the head of their party on the horseshoe.

“It is truly a privilege to represent the residents of the Fifteenth Legislative District and I am incredibly honored and humbled to once again be selected by my peers to lead our caucus,” said Richberg in a statement. “I’d like to thank my fellow legislators for entrusting me with this incredibly important role. I will continue to do everything I can to live up to the title, find common ground across the aisle and work with our County Executive to keep the county moving in the right direction. I look forward to continuing on our path towards a safe and thriving Suffolk County for all. Our goal as a caucus is to ensure that we are a voice for all who live in Suffolk County, and be a sound, transparent government that reflects the diverse needs and wants of all of our communities.”

The Siena College finds that Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) job approval and personal favorability ratings remain mostly unchanged since their last survey in December.

Hochul’s favorability stands at 39%-47%, slightly improved from December’s 39%-49%, both of which are up from her October ratings of 36%-51%. Her job approval rating stands at 44%-48%, slightly unchanged from December’s 46%-49%, but still up from

Richberg, first elected in a 2020 special election, earned full terms in 2021 and 2023. In his statement, Richberg laid out priorities of environmental protection for air, water, roadways, waterways, parks, and farmland, fiscal responsibility, and government accessibility.

Freshman Legislator Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station) (pictured left) has been announced as the Minority Whip.

“It is an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve as the Democratic Whip,” said Sanin in a statement. “I am proud of the progress we’ve made in my first year in the Legislature, and I look forward to working closely with our caucus to build a safer, stronger, and more affordable Suffolk County for all. This new role allows me to amplify the voices of our communities and to continue advocating for the policies that matter most to our residents.”

Sanin was elected to her first term in 2023, ousting oneterm Legislator Manuel Esteban, Sr. (R-East Northport). Republicans continue forward with a 12-6 supermajority in Hauppauge, a number that might shift when all eighteen legislators will be up for re-election to two-year terms this November.

Continued from front cover

Legislator Flotteron, Women of West Islip, West Islip SD Host Public Safety Presentation

Recognizing January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month since its designation in 2010, Flotteron felt it was imperative to bring Sergeant Tedesco’s expertise into local schools to educate parents and children on the potential dangers they may face.

By fostering awareness and knowledge, we can empower our youth to make informed choices and protect themselves. Legislator Flotteron said, “We as a community need to come together to educate and safeguard our children so they feel safe, not vulnerable to predators.”

With social media becoming an integral part of daily life, particularly among young people, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with its misuse. Sergeant Tedesco’s presentation covered key topics such as online safety, cyberbullying, and the impact of social media on mental health. The discussion also touched upon the dangers of oversharing personal information online, which can make children and teens susceptible to cyber predators and identity theft. By educating the community on these subjects, the event aimed to prevent potential harm and ensure a safer digital environment for all.

Parents in attendance were encouraged to monitor their children’s social media usage and to engage in open conversations about internet safety. Sergeant Tedesco emphasized that knowledge is power, and by understanding the risks and implementing proactive strategies, families can protect themselves from online threats.

The rise in vaping and drug use among teenagers and young adults continues to be a growing concern. Sergeant Tedesco emphasized the dangers of these substances and the importance of education and support for those struggling with addiction. Attendees learned about the harmful chemicals found in vaping products, the long-term health effects of substance abuse, and the role of peer pressure in encouraging risky behaviors.

Furthermore, parents were provided with resources to help them recognize signs of addiction and how to seek assistance if needed. Community-based intervention programs and school-led initiatives were highlighted as essential tools in the fight against youth substance abuse. Raising awareness about the risks and consequences of substance use is essential in fostering a healthier, safer community for all.

Human trafficking remains a severe violation of human rights that affects communities nationwide. The presentation shed light on this ongoing issue, educating attendees on how to recognize and report signs of trafficking. Sergeant Tedesco explained the different forms of human trafficking, including labor exploitation and sex trafficking, and how traffickers often target vulnerable individuals through deception and coercion. He encouraged those in attendance to report potential cases of exploitation. To report suspicious activity related to human trafficking, individuals are encouraged to call 1-800-347-2423.

The discussion also addressed the role of social media in modern human trafficking operations, emphasizing the need for parents and educators to be vigilant about online interactions. By spreading awareness and encouraging vigilance, the event aimed to protect the most vulnerable members of society and help bring justice to victims.

This event is one of many initiatives led by Legislator Flotteron to enhance community safety and public awareness. By collaborating with local organizations and experts, he continues to advocate for education and preventive measures to ensure a secure environment for Suffolk County residents.

Residents who wish to stay informed or get involved in public safety initiatives are encouraged to reach out to their local representatives or attend upcoming community events. Through education, awareness, and active participation, Suffolk County can continue to build a safer environment for all.

Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) has represented the Eleventh District in the Suffolk County Legislature since 2018. The Eleventh District includes parts of North Babylon and West Babylon within Babylon Township, as well as Brightwaters, Fire Island, Ocean Beach, Saltaire, West Bay Shore, West Islip, and parts of Bay Shore, Captree, and Islip hamlet within Islip Township.

Legislator Flotteron is the Deputy Presiding Officer of the Legislature and serves as the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and serves on the Committees on Education and Diversity; Government Operations, Personnel, and Information Technology; and Ways and Means.

The Eleventh District is located at 4 Udall Road, Suite 4, in West Islip and can be reached at 631-854-4100.

Legislator Kennedy Chairs Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board Meeting

By Cait Crudden

This past week, the Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board convened for its first meeting following a hiatus. Held at the Rose Y. Caracappa Auditorium in the William H. Rogers Building in Hauppauge, the meeting aimed to reintroduce the board to the public and provide updates on upcoming improvement plans for Lake Ronkonkoma.

This iteration of the advisory board continues to be chaired by Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), with Suffolk County Legislator Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) serving as cochair. Their leadership promises a renewed focus on initiatives aimed at enhancing the lake and its surroundings.

Among the topics discussed at the meeting was the practice of egg-oiling, a humane method of managing the population of Canada Geese to maintain ecological balance around the lake. The board also deliberated on the potential establishment of a “Keeper of the Lake” position, a dedicated role for overseeing the lake’s upkeep and advocating for its well-being. The open role was announced in August 2023. This initiative, if approved, would provide ongoing stewardship to ensure the long-term health of the lake and surrounding areas.

Other agenda items included organizing Fourth of July celebrations for both the current and upcoming years, the implementation of a bubbler system to enhance oxygen levels in the lake, and the formation of various committees to improve the board’s efficiency. Additionally, future meeting dates were scheduled, with the board now set to meet on the last Thursday of every month at 6:00p.m. at the William H. Rogers Building in Hauppauge. Notably, exceptions were made for November and December, when meetings will occur on the third Thursday to avoid conflicts with Thanksgiving and Christmas.

One of the key objectives of the advisory board is to engage in continuous environmental monitoring and conservation efforts. The board is considering partnerships with environmental

organizations and academic institutions to conduct studies on water quality and ecosystem health. Regular assessments of pollution levels, wildlife health, and shoreline conditions could provide valuable data to guide conservation efforts.

The meeting saw strong support from various local organizations, reflecting the community’s vested interest in preserving and improving Lake Ronkonkoma. Groups in attendance included the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group, the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society, Humane Long Island, and the Ronkonkoma Rotary. Their active participation underscores the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding the lake’s future.

In addition to these groups, local businesses and civic organizations have expressed interest in sponsoring restoration projects and community events related to the lake. Enhancing recreational facilities, improving water access points, and hosting seasonal clean-up initiatives were among the ideas discussed to foster community involvement and environmental stewardship.

Legislator Kennedy emphasized that the Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board thrives when there is significant public engagement. She encouraged residents and advocates to attend future meetings, offering them an opportunity to voice concerns, provide input, and contribute to ongoing lake conservation efforts.

“We are working on the possibility of working on a few capital budget projects, using indigenous planting to help with pollutants, and want to restart overflow retention ponds to clean up the lake. There are chemicals in the lake that imbalance its waters, we want to make this a usable space where people can swim in it at use it again,” said Kennedy. “There’s a lot of work to be done and we are hoping there will be a plan over the next five years to make it viable.”

All members of the public who wish to play a role in shaping the future of Lake Ronkonkoma are encouraged to attend subsequent meetings.

With ongoing collaboration between lawmakers, environmental advocates, and residents, the future of Lake Ronkonkoma looks promising. The advisory board remains committed to fostering sustainable initiatives, preserving the lake’s natural beauty, and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this cherished landmark.

Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) has represented the Twelfth District in the Suffolk County Legislature since 2015. The Twelfth District includes Lake Grove and Lake Ronkonkoma and parts of Centereach within Brookhaven Town, as well as Hauppauge, Lake Ronkonkoma, Nesconset, Village of the Branch, and parts of Commack and Smithtown hamlet with Smithtown Township.

Legislator Kennedy serves as the Chair of the Health Committee, Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Vice Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and serves on the Committees on Environment, Parks, and Agriculture; Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness; Labor and Consumer Affairs; Public Safety; Seniors and Human Services; and Veterans.

The Twelfth District office is located at 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Building 17, in Hauppauge and can be reached at 631-854-3735.

Legislator Flotteron at a general meeting in Riverhead (Credit - Matt Meduri)

In Loving Memory

Donna Mae Stiffel-fieDler In

October 24, 1941 -

Loving Memory

CAChristmas horalConcert St . Andrew’sLutheran Church Featuring . . . WinterRose Cantata1 at Th e DECEMBER

of four beautiful daughters, Corinne, Bonnie,

While raising her four kids as a single mother, Donna studied at Suffolk County Community College and worked a full-time job to support her family. In 1978, she bought her

As an executive buyer for H.O. Penn Power Systems, she was recognized for her achievements and the successes she contributed to the company in the 1990s. Throughout her life, she was a shining example of perseverance and strength, with the resilience to overcome the hardships and obstacles that she faced in life. Her hard work and positivity served as a timeless inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and extended

Known to her eight grandkids - Jeremy, Stephanie, David, Jenny, Carina, Nick, Sara, and Matt (Phil and Ashley by marriage) - as “Nana,” and her three great-grandchildren - Adria, Juliana, and Mackenzie - as “Great Nana,” she was a loving, kind, generous, wise, and funny

She was very involved in her grandkids’ lives and would show up with “Papa Jerry” Griffith (April 3, 1943 - September 2, 2015) to musicals, school functions, events, sports games, and

An avid reader of The Messenger, Donna read it cover-to-cover every week.

Donna had a giving heart and she gave diligently to many charities and non-profit organizations to help those in indeed. She was a fervent prayer warrior who decided to start a family-and-friends Zoom prayer-call every Sunday afternoon.

With her transformation through Jesus Christ, Donna leaves behind a legacy of the importance of prayer and reading God’s Word.

Hauppauge High School Students Selected for LISFA

Congratulations to Hauppauge High School students Nathan Fernandes and Tiana Yip for their acceptance into the prestigious Long Island String Festival Association. Chosen from a pool of talented musicians throughout Suffolk County, Tiana and Nathan earned spots in the LISFA orchestra violin sections.

The students dedicated ten hours of rehearsal time with their respective orchestras and performed in the LISFA concert on January 12. Their hard work and dedication to their craft were evident in their outstanding performances.

Connetquot Students Shine in STEM Competitions

Students across the Connetquot Central School District have been making impressive strides in STEM, and their hard work has recently been recognized in several competitions. On January 25, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School’s LEGO Robotics Team 3592 won the Robot Performance Award, where they earned 275 points at the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Qualifier held at Mineola High School. Congratulations to members Riley Barry, Daniel Ehlers, William Hackett, Javier Hernandez, Bradley Lamour, Zachary Snitkin, Xin Lei Sun, Gia Tehran, Jacob Tobal and their adviser Doug dos Santos. Ronkonkoma Middle School’s LEGO Robotics Team 2652 tied for fourth place in robot performance, where they earned 190 points at the same

West Islip Ranks Among Top New York State School Districts

According to a recently published report by Syracuse.com, West Islip Union Free School District is tied for the highest-ranking school district in New York State based on the 2023-2024 Language Arts Regents results. West Islip is tied with 22 other school districts out of 634 across New York State. It is also among the top five on Long Island and the top two in Suffolk County. West Islip tested a total of 316 students.

“Our district administrators, building administrators, and teachers made this tremendous accomplishment possible,” said West Islip Union Free School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Romanelli. “Beginning in the early years with building a solid foundation in literacy, to the middle and high school years where our educators work to strengthen the reading, writing, and communication skills our students need to be successful, this is truly a team effort and a collective accomplishment.”

competition. Great job to members Hartley Ahner, Brady Andreola, Bisaj Paul, Jake Ruggiero, Zoe Weissberg, and to their adviser Anthony Carbonaro. Under the guidance of adviser Laura Mongan, the Connetquot High School Science Olympiad team won five medals at the competition held over the January 25 weekend at Hauppauge High School. The team is now ranked 20 out of 63 schools.

Students Hajra Ahmed and Alessandro Romero came in seventh place in the Bungee Drop category, while Michael Fabbri and Fiona Gao came in seventh in the Dynamic Planet category.

Madison Holzmacher and Elaine Wang came in eighth place in the Geologic Mapping category as well as ninth place in the Microbe Mission category. Students Hannah Antony Raj and Jonathan Le placed tenth in the Electric Vehicle category.

The Connetquot Central School District is excited to recognize and congratulate these outstanding STEM students for their achievements.

Islip’s Nash and Smith Named All-State Football Players

Two seniors from Islip High School’s varsity football team –quarterback Brady Nash and offensive back Dylan Smith – were recently named to the New York State Sportswriters Association’s 2024 All-State third team offense.

Islip had a memorable 2024 season, finishing 6-2 and earning the third seed in the playoffs. Led by Nash and Smith, the Bucs defeated the sixth-seeded Hauppauge Eagles in the Conference III quarterfinal before their season ended in the semifinals against Half Hollow Hills West.

Nash’s senior year highlights included 33 touchdowns, 3,259 total yards, 2,362 passing yards, 897 rushing yards and a 65% completion rate. For Long Island football players, he finished third overall for passing yards, second for total yards and second for touchdowns.

Smith notched 255 rushing yards during the 2024 season, tallying 69 receptions for 1,047 total yards.

Sycamore Avenue Student Wins T-Shirt Design Contest in Support of Disabilities Awareness

Academy Street Elementary Learns How to Stay Safe Online

On January 30, a special visitor from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services visited Academy Street Elementary in the Bayport-Blue Point School District to speak to fourth and fifth graders about the importance of internet safety.

The guest presenter, a retired police officer and current investigator who works to solve the cases of missing persons, discussed a range of important topics, including how to use privacy settings, the risks of sharing location information, the consequences of cyberbullying and the long-term impact of one’s digital footprint.

Throughout the month of March, the Connetquot Central School District will proudly celebrate Disabilities Awareness Month with the empowering slogan, “Yes, I Can.” To kick off the celebration, the district held a design contest, inviting Connetquot students to submit artwork for the T-shirts and sweatshirts that will be worn on Mondays during March.

Congratulations to Samantha Grizzaffi, a talented fourth grader from Mrs. Klaus’ class at Sycamore Avenue Elementary, on her winning design.

The Necessary Standard for American Education

Presidential Pardon Powers

By Matt Meduri

The tail-end of former President Joe Biden’s (D-DE) term and the very beginning of President Donald Trump’s (R-FL) second term both faced heavy debate on their respective uses of the presidential pardon powers. We’ll discuss what the Constitution entails regarding these powers as well as some historic uses of such privileges.

Legal Basis and Origin

Pardon powers afforded to the president are based on Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which states:

“The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.”

Not only does this outline that pardons are effectively limitless in scope and effect, save for impeachment cases, but it also officially designates the president as commander-in-chief of the Armed Services. It also charges the president with enormous executive power and that the states must show deference to such powers and initiatives therein, particularly in the case of national security.

The origin of pardoning powers has much broader roots than the United States. Ancient Roman, Greek, and Jewish laws contained language that substantiated this practice. The U.S. Constitution’s pardoning powers are more directly adapted from age-old English tradition, wherein the monarch had the “royal prerogative of mercy,” which allowed him/her to commute death sentences or provide alternatives to execution. The first known instance of such a “prerogative of mercy” was issued by King Ine of Wessex (688 A.D. - 725 A.D.). King Henry VIII (15091547) also utilized this power. English parliament had restricted the powers to be less broad during the 1700s, but the power remained comparatively sweeping in the American Colonies.

Alexander Hamilton defended this principle in The Federalist Papers, stating that the power should be “as little as possible fettered or embarrassed” to facilitate “easy access to exceptions in favour of unfortunate guilt.” Effectively, this could be interpreted to include those condemned through a political process, rather than a forthright judicial one. Furthermore, Hamilton believed that the sweeping power of the pardon should rest with the executive, someone who would be a “a more eligible dispenser of the mercy of the government than a body of men,” who, as Hamilton argued, “might often encourage each other in an act of obduracy, and might be less sensible to the apprehension of suspicion or censure for an injudicious or affected clemency.”

In short, Hamilton believed that such a power to rest with a legislature would devolve to political debate and gridlock. The power resting with the president lies with his/her own prerogative only. At the 1787 Constitutional Convention, neither the Virginia Plan nor the New Jersey Plan addressed pardon powers specifically, as both plans were committed to the structure of the government. Hamilton then argued that the powers should remain in the executive branch, but with exceptions for treason.

Some Founding Fathers argued that the pardoning powers should be limited to exclude treason, as, in the words of Virginia delegate Edmund Randolph, the power was “too great a trust,” and that the president “himself may be guilty,” along with co-conspirators who

“may be his own instruments.” Virginia delegate George Mason agreed with this principle, further arguing that the president could pardon himself of crimes, which would “establish a monarchy and destroy the republic.”

James Madison and Roger Sherman both contended that the Senate should be consulted for pardons that entailed treason; Sherman submitted a separate proposal to vest pardon consent fully to the Senate. Both motions were defeated.

Since then, presidential pardons have been used in a variety of methods, and in many ways, for strategic purposes.

George Washington first used the pardon power in 1795, when he granted amnesty to participants in the Whiskey Rebellion, a violent tax protest that endured from 1791 to 1794. The whiskey tax was the first tax imposed on domestic products by the nascent American federal government. The purpose was to generate revenue to pay off Revolutionary War debts. Farmers who fermented their surplus crops to make whiskey protested the tax. Violence and intimidation tactics were used to preclude federal officials from collecting the taxes.

Despite lasting for three years, with 600 Pennsylvania rebels against 13,000 troops from three state militias, only four rebels died and 150 were captured. No troops from the militias were directly killed, although twelve died from accidents or illnesses. There were two civilian casualties. Only two rebels were convicted, whom Washington pardoned.

The whiskey tax was repealed several years later under the Thomas Jefferson Administration, but the conflict is credited with aiding the devolution of the government into eternally sparring political parties.

Abraham Lincoln (R-IL) later used clemency during the Civil War to encourage desertions from the Confederate Army. Controversially, Andrew Johnson (D-TN) pardoned Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy.

Limitations

Although relatively broad, the pardon powers remain within the federal government’s scope, including laws and statues observed by the federal government. Pardons do not apply to convictions for state or local offenses, as well as private civil lawsuits. State crimes can be pardoned by governors - or a state pardon board where applicable.

The presidential pardon’s only “real” limitation at the federal level concerns cases of impeachment. Impeachment proceedings, either against himself/ herself or a member of the Cabinet, cannot be halted and the results of an impeachment cannot be overturned. Entailing convictions are also not changeable.

Process

While pardons can be relatively simple, there is a process that is required of the federal government as well as the recipient of the pardon. Interestingly, a recipient of a pardon can reject it. The Supreme Court ruled that such a rejection is valid in the case United States vs. Wilson (1833). A pardon cannot be forced on a convict; a pardon must be treated as evidence in court, introduced by a “plea, motion, or otherwise.”

The Court, however, has found that pardons are somewhat tantamount to an admission of guilt. In Burdick vs. United States (1915), the Supreme Court found that a pardon is an “imputation of guilt and acceptance of a confession of it.” However, this has created further legal controversy, in that how a pardon could be viewed in such a way by a deceased recipient

This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.

- posthumous pardons are usually symbolic - or those who have received a commutation of a sentence, a rejection for which legal language is not provided. It has been argued that if a president pardons a convict on the basis of innocence, then accepting said pardon is not an admission of guilt.

While a pardon does restore rights and privileges lost as a result of a conviction, it does not act as an expungement of a criminal record. Civil disabilities relating to conviction, such as a loss of suffrage or right to hold public office, are often imposed by state law, requiring removal of such civil disabilities by state action.

Legal Debate

There is much debate on the powers of preemptive pardons and self-pardons.

Shortly before Richard Nixon’s (R-CA) resignation in the wake of the Watergate scandal in 1974, Nixon’s legal counsel advised him that while a self-pardon technically would be legal, the Office of Legal Counsel’s (OLC) opinion stated that a presidential self-pardon would be somewhat contradictory, in that “no one may be a judge in his own case.” The loophole was suggested as Nixon invoking the Twenty-Fifth Amendment to declare himself unfit to carry out the duties of his office and appointing the vice president to succeed him. Thereafter, the appointed vice president could have pardoned Nixon, after which Nixon could resign completely or resume the duties of his role. This loophole was merely theoretical and lacked legal basis, but it offers an interesting picture to see how a presidential self-pardon could be performed.

However, the Supreme Court has left the door open on this issue, as far as the Constitution’s legal basis goes. Further deliberation on self-pardons would arise after language has been enshrined into law, although some legal scholars argue that self-pardons are precluded by the Constitution in the forms of Article I, Section III; Article II, Section III; or the Due Process clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments.

The most controversial use of the pardoning power is that of Gerald Ford’s (R-MI) preemptive pardon of Nixon, who had been impeached by the House but resigned from the Oval Office before the Senate could hold a trial, wherein a guilty verdict was and has been considered likely. This was the first and only use of a preemptive pardon until Joe Biden used such powers for members of his family and controversial dignitaries, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, during his last days in office.

Pardoning Records

To date, Biden has the record of the most pardons: 8,064. Andrew Johnson follows close behind at 7,654, most of whom were ex-Confederates. Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY) comes in third place at 3, 687 pardons.

Barack Obama (D-IL) comes in sixth place with 1,927, followed by Donald Trump, whose 1700 pardons has potential room for growth with the vast remainder of his second and current term.

Only James A. Garfield (R-OH) and William Henry Harrison (W-OH) never issued pardons during their incredibly short terms. Harrison served for one month before his death from pneumonia, and Garfield was assassinated just six months into his term.

Of those who served full terms, George Washington holds the record for the least amount of pardons at just sixteen over eight years in office. Of modern presidents, George H. W. Bush (R-TX) issued just seventy-seven pardons during his four-year tenure.

Hauppauge Middle School Looks Toward the Future on Career Day

On January 14, Hauppauge Middle School hosted its annual career day, offering students a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of professions and discover potential career paths.

The event welcomed thirty-nine professionals from many different fields, including accounting, business, cosmetology, film, law enforcement, real estate, medicine, sales, robotics, therapy, engineering, fashion, architecture, veterinary medicine, the military, education, fire and rescue, and law to speak with students about their careers, education and experiences.

Throughout the day, students asked questions, participated in interactive demonstrations such watching a police dog sniff test and gained valuable insights into the skills and qualifications needed for various professions. The event was designed to help the middle school students broaden their horizons, ignite their curiosity and begin thinking about their future goals.

Legislator Flotteron Honors Eagle Scout with Troop 205

Legislator Steven J. Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) recently recognized Jesse Hodge on achieving Eagle Scout with Troop 205 at his Eagle Court of Honor at Timber Point Elementary School in East Islip. Jesse’s Service Project, earning him Eagle Scout status, was the complete rebuild of the Fire Gong monument at the Great River Fire Department, along with the rebuilding of three picnic Tables on site.

Jesse is currently a senior at East Islip High School where he has been on the Honor Roll since eighth grade. He is also a member of the Varsity Football Team who won the LI Championship in 2023.

Local History

February 6, 2025

‘Six Jelly Donuts and Six Black-and-Whites, Please’

By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.

H&H Bakery - the sweetest story I could bring you.

Lake Ronkonkoma’s favorite for over fifty years. Would you do almost anything for one of their black and white cookies right now?

This story combines the recollections and facts about the bakery from the two daughters of the two owners, Marion Horvath McGee and Lillian Horvath Albertina. There is so much to tell, and this article will begin the family’s story. More will be written in the future.

Gabriel Horvath and his wife Helen arrived in the USA in 1936 aboard the RMS Queen Mary, the first year in operation for the British ocean liner. They had two children, daughter Marion Horvath McGee, and son Gabriel Edward, who was involved in a car accident which resulted in a fatal head injury in 1985.

Alex “Luttzy” Lazlo Horvath, arrived from Hungary to NYC, then returned to Europe before coming back again. His wife Bertha was born and raised in New York City. They had two children, daughter Lillian Horvath Albertina and son Victor Alex Horvath. Once settled in Lake Ronkonkoma, Bertha was employed at United Methodist Church of Lake Ronkonkoma for over fifty-five years as their secretary.

Sleepovers were fun, and Marion’s girl friends would set up chaise beach chairs in her room, adding a pillow and blanket. In the early morning, the group of girls would go down into the bakery for unlimited morning treats, especially the jelly donuts just made at 3:00a.m., and their mother Helen would serve hot tea.

Marion would miss the school bus to Port Jefferson High School and hitch a ride with her father and the cakes in the red bakery truck. When she made the bus, she would bring the bus driver eclairs, napoleons, and jelly donuts.

The bakery would give demonstrations to the students at Gatelot Avenue School where Lillian attended. They were proud days for her, having her father showcase the delicious foods sold. Lillian can still tell us the 1962 prices of the goods.

One of the assignments at Gatelot Avenue School was to have the showcase display local business. H&H were shown comically, with the two bakers honored. The thank you letters and things learned were displayed in the showcase as well.

Coincidence, the two partners were not related but had the same last name. Both learned the trade in baking and spoke of owning and operating their own bakery. When a building became available on Hawkins Avenue, it satisfied all of their expectations, and they made the purchase and quickly established themselves as the best bakery in town. H&H Bakery (Horvath & Horvath) was officially opened in approximately 1944.

Gabriel worked every day from 4:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. driving the red bakery truck for deliveries and the rest of the day baking.

Alex Horvath was the favorite cake Konditor (designer) in the area. He decorated cakes, wedding cakes, and all-occasion cakes to perfection using the expert training he had in Europe as a Konditor Meister.

The rye breads were baked by Danny Seibert; Louie Posner would make the dough for all the strudels and pastry type goods; all baked fresh on premises at H&H Bakery. Only fresh ingredients, purchased from the bakers’ supply for uniformity, were used in preparation.

One of the employees, Paul, entered the War in Vietnam. He was KIA and left an emptiness at the bakery. In honor of his service, H&H offered a free fruit cake to anyone who had a serviceman in Vietnam.

“All you have to do is bring in his address and pay the postage,” the sign that was posted is shown.

Both Marion and Lillian attended our local schools - Lake Ronkonkoma School, Gatelot Avenue, and Port Jefferson High School; both went onto college. Marion attended Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lillian attended SUNY Oswego. Both were teachers at the Sachem School District.

Marion would set her alarm clock for 4:00a.m. which allowed her to sit with her father, Gabriel, and share breakfast - always corn flakes - and to catch up on things. Gabriel would then leave in his red delivery truck for orders way past Port Jefferson and Miller Place. Upon returning, he would get to work in the bakery and end his day at 7:00p.m.

H&H also gave tours of the bakery to the young students. This was a great trip and always pleased with a treat from the bakery for each student.

Thanksgiving would bring the many turkeys that were baked at no charge for anyone who asked. They would start arriving in the early morning, and when it was time, each turkey was seasoned as requested by the customer. The ovens filled the area with the turkey aroma. The families were accustomed to the crowds, so it was not a problem to decipher which turkey belonged to whom when pickup time came. Easter consisted of homemade chocolate, holiday bread, and cake with the colored egg baked in. Orders were taken, and everything was wrapped in colorful cellophane. At Christmastime, gingerbread houses, gingerbread men, and many cookies of the season were available.

Birthday celebration cakes for both Marion and Lillian were always their choice. They could pick any cake they wished. Marion chose a sevenlayer cake of grounded up hazelnuts and chocolate with an icy top of melted sugar. Lillian would have the same cake, made by her father Alex.

A recent comment from Samuel Hawkins Vollgraff: “It was mentioned on a Law and Order episode by Detective Lenny years ago. Lenny and another detective were being sent to the East End of Long Island. Lenny said, ‘Great! We can stop at H&H Bakery.’ Of course, it had been closed for years, but it was cool to hear it being mentioned on TV. Probably the best bakery I’ve ever been to. I love my hometown.”

I have so many personal recollections as a child saving the coins so we could walk around the corner and purchase a treat. However, I stopped at the bakery one Sunday and ran in for an oversized order, which took longer than usual because of the chit-chat with my friends who worked there. I was on the way to Stony Brook Hospital where I delivered my daughter only hours later. Nothing like planning ahead bringing your own H&H snacks!

Gabriel passed in March 1960, and Alex and Helen worked at the bakery. In the late 1960s, Helen bought out Alex; Helen passed in 1988. Marion kept the bakery open after her mother’s death in 1988 because the employees and the families were like family to each other, and she wanted to keep the business going. It was sold by Marion in 1996.

Gabriel and Marion, 1959

Bill and Marion’s wedding cake, 1962

Lillian’s wedding cake, 1971

By Cait Crudden

LaLota Votes to Uphold Title IX and Protect Women and Girls in Sports

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) has taken a decisive stance in support of women’s and girls’ sports by cosponsoring and voting to pass H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. The bill aims to preserve the integrity of female athletic competition and uphold the protections granted under Title IX, which has been instrumental in ensuring equal opportunities for women in education and athletics.

Congressman LaLota, the husband of a former Division One athlete and father to three young daughters who actively participate in team sports, expressed his strong support for the legislation. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining a level playing field for female athletes and preventing policies that could undermine fair competition.

“As the father of three young girls and husband to a former Division One athlete, I am proud to support the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. This commonsense bill ensures that women’s and girls’ sports remain on a level playing field, preserving the integrity of competition and safeguarding the rights of female athletes guaranteed to them under Title IX,” said LaLota.

H.R. 28 seeks to prevent biological males from participating in women’s and girls’ sports, arguing that such participation compromises the fairness of competition and diminishes opportunities for female athletes. Supporters of the bill, including LaLota, believe that allowing transgender women to compete in female sports jeopardizes the intent of Title IX, which was enacted in 1972 to protect women from discrimination in educational programs and activities, including athletics.

LaLota criticized attempts by the previous administration to unilaterally alter Title IX regulations without congressional approval. He asserted that any significant changes to the longstanding federal law should be debated and legislated by elected representatives rather than imposed through executive action.

“An administration should never have had the opportunity to make

such a significant determination unilaterally, especially when it comes to changes to Title IX, which has long protected the rights of women and girls in sports,” remarked LaLota. “Allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports compromises fair competition and denies young women the opportunity to develop physically and mentally as athletes and deprives them of educational opportunities.”

LaLota’s advocacy for protecting female sports is not new. Even before former President Donald Trump (R-FL) signed an executive order reinforcing protections for women’s sports on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, LaLota had been vocal about preserving the fairness of athletic competition for biological females. Trump’s executive order is a landmark action aimed at safeguarding Title IX protections and ensuring that female athletes were not unfairly disadvantaged. LaLota’s continued stance aligns with this effort and reinforces his dedication to the issue.

The issue of transgender participation in sports has been a subject of national debate, with advocates on both sides voicing passionate arguments. Supporters of transgender inclusion argue that all athletes should be allowed to compete based on their gender identity, while opponents, like LaLota, stress that biological differences between males and females create inherent competitive imbalances that disadvantage female athletes.

“Girls’ sports should be reserved for biological girls and by upholding the integrity of Title IX, we protect the future of girls’ sports and ensure that every young woman has the opportunity to succeed and excel,” said LaLota.

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to face further debate. Regardless of the outcome, LaLota’s vote signals his firm stance on preserving fairness and equal opportunity in women’s athletics.

Suffolk County Celebrates Black History Month: Honoring the Past, Building the Future

By Raheem Soto

February is here, and across Suffolk County, communities are coming together to celebrate Black History Month. While major cities often get the most attention, Long Island has its own powerful legacy that deserves recognition. It is a history built on hard work, faith, family, and patriotism—values that have shaped local communities and the nation.

Black history in Suffolk County is a testament to resilience and determination that stretches back centuries. From the beginning, African Americans played a vital role in the region—first as forced laborers, then as free citizens striving to build their futures. By the Nineteenth century, Long Island had become a key battleground in the abolitionist movement. Churches and community leaders helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad, with towns like Setauket and Huntington providing shelter and support.

Over the decades, Black communities in Suffolk County, such as Gordon Heights and North Amityville, grew into thriving cultural and economic hubs. Residents overcame systemic barriers, from redlining to limited job opportunities, by doubling down on faith, family, and entrepreneurship. Leaders like Booker T. Gibson, a respected educator and musician from Babylon, and David A. Thomas, the first Black presiding officer of the Suffolk County Legislature, helped shape the region’s future through dedication and service.

Some names are well known, but many unsung heroes also deserve recognition. Estelle Blackburn, one of the area’s first Black female business owners, broke barriers and inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs. Reverend Charles Walden was instrumental in the local civil rights movement, leading efforts that changed Suffolk County for the better. Other trailblazers include Charles Kinsey, a pioneering educator, and Harold T. Fisher, a WWII veteran who fought not only for his country but also for the rights of Black veterans who were too often overlooked. Their legacies will be highlighted throughout this month’s celebrations.

In 2025, Suffolk County is once again pulling out all the stops for Black History Month, celebrating the achievements of Black Americans in business, faith, and public service. Libraries, schools, and historical organizations host discussions and exhibits to ensure these

powerful stories are shared with future generations. This celebration is a testament to the significant contributions of the Black community in various fields.

The Suffolk County Historical Society Museum in Riverhead is unveiling an exhibit featuring artifacts, letters, and firsthand accounts from Black residents who shaped the area. Meanwhile, Stony Brook University and Suffolk County Community College organize lectures and performances that showcase African Americans’ contributions to politics, science, and the arts.

For those looking to support Black-owned businesses, pop-up markets in Wyandanch and Brentwood will highlight local entrepreneurs offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to home-cooked soul food. Churches and faith-based groups are also stepping up, with special services and gospel concerts celebrating the deep spiritual roots of the Black community.

While Black History Month is a time for reflection, it is also an opportunity to focus on what comes next. Many community leaders emphasize that economic and educational opportunities are key to lasting progress. This focus on the future is a source of hope and optimism, underscoring the potential for growth and development in the Black community.

Local organizations, including the NAACP chapters of Eastern Long Island and the Urban League of Long Island, continue advocating for initiatives that create pathways to prosperity. Encouraging business ownership, expanding school choice, and fostering civic involvement are ways Black leaders in Suffolk County are building a stronger, more independent future. Black History Month is about looking back and ensuring that future generations have the tools and opportunities to succeed. Suffolk County’s Black community has long been a cornerstone of progress, resilience, and faith. As this year’s celebrations unfold, one message stands clear: the legacy of Black excellence is not confined to February. It is a story that continues every single day, built on the timeless principles of hard work, perseverance, and the belief that success is earned, not given. Beyond February, Suffolk County is committed to promoting and celebrating Black history and culture, ensuring these stories are shared and celebrated year-round.

Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Democrats Have Egg on Their Faces

By Andrew Shirley | AMAC Outside Contributor

After four years of runaway inflation under Joe Biden, Democrats and some in the corporate media have just recognized that grocery prices are a serious problem for everyday Americans. But as Democrats attempt to pin blame for this crisis on President Donald Trump – who has been in office for less than three weeks – they are only further exposing how failed liberal policies led to high prices in the first place.

Democrats have latched on to the price of eggs in particular as they scramble to mount some sort of opposition to the early success of Trump’s second term. In a post on X late last month, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated, “President Trump owes American families some answers about what he is going to do about the high price of eggs that’s being exacerbated by Bird Flu.”

As conservative podcaster Stephen L. Miller was quick to note, Schumer never once complained about the price of eggs when Biden was in office. But other Democrats and legacy media outlets nonetheless took Schumer’s lead in attempting to manufacture a controversy over egg prices.

In an open letter to Trump, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, alongside 19 other Democrat legislators, attacked the president for focusing on “mass deportations” and not doing enough to address high grocery costs. Liberal bloggers like Brian Taylor Cohen, Brian Krassenstein, and Alex Cole joined in as well, blaming Trump for the high price of eggs and the overall high cost of living.

Indeed, egg prices are unusually high. According to the Consumer Price Index, “egg prices increased more than eight percent from November to December… the average cost of one dozen Grade A large eggs in December across the U.S. was $4.15, up from $2.52 at the start of 2024.” The Department of Agriculture also predicts that prices could increase as much as 20 percent over the next year and will “continue to experience volatile month-tomonth changes.”

However, the Democrats’ line of attack seems misinformed at best and outright dishonest at worst. Schumer’s initial attack came only seven days into Trump’s second term. The price increases on eggs and everything else occurred when Joe Biden, not Donald Trump, was in office. In fact, as high as the price for a dozen eggs is now, it is still well below the record high of $4.82 reached in January 2023 under the Biden administration.

Moreover, the high cost of eggs, in particular, is a direct result of two Democrat policies.

First, so-called “cage-free” laws enacted by ten states mandate that chickens be allowed to move freely while producing eggs. Though proponents of such laws argue they make farming more humane, farms are also forced to use more land less efficiently, raising prices. While cage-free laws may be well-intentioned, they also have undeniably increased costs for egg production, costs which are then passed on to consumers. Several states are already considering repealing their cage-free laws.

Government policies on the bird flu are also to blame for rising egg prices. Bird flu cases have skyrocketed in the United States in recent years, and according to USDA rules, the entire flock must be destroyed if even a single chicken is found to have bird flu.

As a result, the Biden USDA ordered the culling of 100-150 million chickens. The additional costs of disposal and sanitation, as well as the time necessary to bring new egg-

laying chickens into maturity, also caused a sharp supply crunch, which increased the overall price of eggs. Critics have argued that there are methods to prevent this mass killing of birds, which the Biden administration has refused to consider.

Notably, agriculture experts also believe cage-free laws dramatically increase the odds of bird flu transmission.

General inflation in every other part of the economy under Biden has also driven up the cost of eggs. From the electricity used to power chicken farms to the diesel fuel used to transport eggs to supermarkets, everything in the United States is more expensive thanks to trillions of dollars in frivolous spending over the past four years.

Trump has already taken decisive action to reduce this spending, including creating the Department of Government Efficiency, which has so far saved the government tens of

Overview - AMACThe Association of Mature American Citizens

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AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us

millions of dollars per day on average. Trump also declared a “national energy emergency” on his first day in office, taking the first step to deliver on his promise of increasing domestic oil production – a move that will ultimately bring down the cost of fuel and, by extension, everything (including eggs) that is transported on trucks, trains, planes, and ships.

But the reality is that spending has a delayed impact on inflation, meaning that Americans can expect elevated prices for the immediate future until Trump’s policies have time to take effect. Most Americans seem to understand this, a fact reflected in Trump’s record high net approval rating.

Democrats, meanwhile, seem content to have a talking point, disingenuous as it is, that at least rallies their base in opposition to Trump. But like the eggs they are so fixated on, that talking point looks to have an expiration date.

BRINGING BROADWAY TO MAIN STREET Jan 16–Mar 2, 2025 FEATURING THE MUSIC OF ELVIS PRESLEY

Mar 13–Apr 27, 2025 ON STAGE UP NEXT May 15–Jun 29, 2025

Jul 10–Aug 24, 2025

WORD OF THE Week

Etymology:

Old English gād, of Germanic origin.

GOAD

verb

Pronounced: gōd

Definition: provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate some action or reaction.

Example: “The legislation was crafted with the intent, not of passage, but to goad dissidents into a semantic battle.”

Synonyms: spur, prod, incite

Antonyms: strain, block, deter

Source: Oxford Languages

SUDOKU

See bottom left for the answers (please don’t cheat!)

This Week in History

February 7, 1985: “New York, New York” becomes the official anthem of New York City.

February 8, 1936: First-ever NFL Draft: Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago is first pick by Philadelphia Eagles.

February 10, 1942: Glenn Miller and his Orchestra awarded the 1st ever gold record for selling 1 million copies of “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”

February 11, 1990: Nelson Mandela is released after twenty-seven years imprisonment in South Africa.

See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.

February 9, 1964: First appearance of the Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show”, live from New York; broadcast draws 73.7 million television viewers.

February 6, 1921: Charlie Chaplin releases his first full-length feature - “The Kid”, a silent film starring Charlie Chaplin & 6-year old Jackie Coogan.

February 12, 2016: Pope Francis meets Patriarch Kirill in Havana - first meeting between Catholic and Russian Orthodox church heads for nearly 1,000 years

By PJ Balzer

Look Again for the Helpers

Scary news headlines seem to be everywhere these days. We are inundated with more breaking news and flashing red lights than any other generation. Our eyes are fixated on constant fiery scenes and blaring sirens, whether from the television or our cell phones. Just this past week alone, we had two tragic planes crashes on the east coast that consumed the lives of nearly one hundred people in an instant. Most people call me a pretty even-tempered person, yet even this past week, my heart was heavy over these headlines and images, especially that many young people were involved.

Talking about even-tempered and an extremely poised voice, in 1968 a soft, tender, and compassionate voice suddenly showed up on our television screen. A voice which, even though a complete stranger, seemed so familiar to us because of his tone, content, and warmness.

An ordained minister sat in his living room and invited us daily to be his neighbor and a part of his neighborhood.

Dressed in his colorful cardigans and freshly pressed button-ups, Fred Rogers gave us life lessons about how important play was for childhood development. He visibly showed us how to view people that looked differently than us and how to treat people who seemed angry. His guests were often children with visible disabilities, people who worked the most common jobs amongst us, and people that we may not have had contact with often, especially in 1968. Many of us grew up being a part of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and I’m convinced that we’re better because of it.

One of my personal favorite quotes from my years watching Mr. Rogers is, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

With news that seems to be scarier with each passing day, Fred Rogers was right. There are people still out there helping their neighbors dry off their feet, so to speak. There are people who we often don’t hear about who are running towards human suffering with full hearts and open hands; people who give of their time, resources, and lives to alleviate the suffering of others, even complete strangers. We often hear about things being stolen from one another, yet there are people returning wallets full of cash and credit cards to a neighbor who left them behind in a shopping cart.

We often hear about babies being abandoned and people enacting abuse towards children. We much less hear about the people who are adopting and raising children who were once abandoned. There are helpers out there making personal sacrifices to make the life of someone else and their family better, expecting nothing at all in return. There is infinite good that mostly goes unseen.

Look for the helpers, my friend. Look for the silver lining in all of the dark things we see. May your heart be hopeful again that things aren’t as bad as they seem, once you find - or you become - a helper.

Even though segregation was no longer the law of the land by 1969, there was still a tangible tension everywhere you went. I personally believe that legislation in the land doesn’t mean the depth of the human heart is legislated. Only God is able to truly legislate a heart, cleaning it, changing it, and filling it with selfless love for a neighbor. Even so, by law, African Americans were now considered an equal participant in every day public life by legislation.

There was much tension at that time surrounding our public swimming pools across the United States. While black people were now fully allowed by law to swim alongside white people in public swimming pools, every heart in the nation obviously wasn’t legislated on this matter. Many issues arose at public swimming pools and people found cruel ways to make sure our swimming pools weren’t shared.

It was in this tense atmosphere that Mister Rogers used his living room as his pulpit, as he often did. He was never one to preach fiery sermons across the television, but he wouldn’t waste the opportunity to exemplify one. On May 9, 1969, Rogers invited Officer Clemmons, a black police officer on the show, to join him and cool his feet in a small plastic wading pool. (pictured above) When Clemmons sat down and placed his feet in the water, right next to Rogers, the two men broke a well-known color barrier and did so on purpose. Mister Rogers took this scene a step further by grabbing a towel and helping Officer Clemmons dry his feet off. He did so right on public television for the nation to see and to exemplify a teaching central of his Christian faith. Mister Rogers Neighborhood ran for thirty-three years in total, from 1968 to 2001. He became a household voice that raised many of us and educated us in lessons of goodness, generosity, and care. He taught us to look for the silver lining even in scary and dark situations, a lesson that would do us all well to remember today.

In his final broadcast, Mr. Rogers said, “I know how tough it is some days to look with hope and confidence on the months and years ahead.”

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’

- Mr. Rogers

Theatre & the Arts

Full Disclosure: The Gateway’s ‘The Addams Family’ is a Smash Hit!

By Cindi Sansone-Braff

Snap your fingers! “The Addams Family Musical” plays to packed houses at The Gateway Playhouse, so drop everything and get tickets!

Saturday night’s audience buzzed with excitement as the lights dimmed, the curtain remained mysteriously closed, and a first-rate orchestra, led by the talented Musical Director Andrew Haile Austin, played the overture. A moment later, explosive laughter filled the theatre when the disembodied hand known as “Thing” scurried across the front of the stage.

Anticipation grew, the curtain opened, and the ghoulishly dressed Addams Family stood upstage, regaling in the intoxicating smell of the graveyard. Broadway veteran Jim Borstelmann rocked the role of Uncle Fester, the show’s fourth wall-breaking narrator and devoted selenophile. When feisty Uncle Fester ritualistically danced on graves and conjured six dead ancestors from the crypt, the audience knew they were in for a spooky and altogether ooky good time.

Before seeing “The Addams Family Musical,” I thought this show would be best staged during Halloween. However, the storyline is all about love, making it the perfect Goth Valentine’s treat for the whole family. When Borstelmann

belted out “But Love,” with its catchy lyrics, “Let’s not talk about anything else but love,” that jazzy show tune set the amorous mood of this creepy, kooky musical rom-com.

Since 1938, when Charles Addams first introduced his wickedly wacky characters in his single-panel cartoons in The New Yorker, people from all walks of life have been enthralled with the eerie eccentricities of the Addams Family. In the mid-1960s, Addams’ cartoon creation inspired the ABC black-and-white sitcom starring John Astin as Gomez and Carolyn Jones as Morticia. In the 1990s, Addams’ beloved characters resurrected on the big screen with “The Addams Family” and the sequel, “Addams Family Values,” starring Christopher Lloyd, Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, and Christina Ricci. Two other films, “The Addams Family” and “The Addams Family 2,” opened in 2019 and 2021. A supernatural mystery comedy series, “Wednesday,” starring Jenna Ortega, currently airs on Netflix.

and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, this dark musical comedy revolves around the grown-up Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, and her desire to wed a sweet, smart young man from Ohio.

The time has come for her boyfriend and his “normal” parents to meet Wednesday’s family. Think the “Odd Couple” meets “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” and you know the evening is ripe for high-voltage tension, plenty of belly laughs, and an abundance of gallows humor gimmicks.

Aaron De Jesus commanded the stage as Gomez Addams, the stylish, charming, but ghoulish head of the Addams family. De Jesus has powerhouse vocals, which he demonstrated throughout the show. His captivating solos, “Trapped” and “Happy Sad,” were two of the show’s high points.

pleasing, misunderstood wife and dutiful mother who speaks in annoying rhymes. When Alice accidentally ingests a potion that takes “the lid off your id,” Kellogg rips loose and sings her heart out during her sensational solo “Waiting.” Monk, Goodwin, Brady, and Kellogg’s stellar vocals held the audience spellbound with their heartfelt delivery of the love song “Crazier than You.”

Sydia Cedeño, a natural-born comic, received some of the biggest laughs of the evening with her spot-on performance as Grandma, a woman with tricks up her sleeve and a wicked sense of humor. As the Frankensteinlike butler, Lurch, Ellis Gage stole the show every time he let out one of his long, guttural “Ughhhs.” Gage amazed the audience with his outstanding vocals during the showstopping number “Move Toward the Darkness.”

Jennifer Byrne delivered a bewitching performance as Gomez’s sophisticated wife and the matriarch of the Addams clan. I loved watching Byrne slither across the stage, dressed to kill in Morticia’s signature skin-tight dress with a plunging neckline “cut down to Venezuela.”

Rivers O’Neal and Asher King share the role of Pugsley. The performance I attended featured King, a long-time student at the Gateway Acting School. All that theatrical training was not in vain since King gave a killer performance as Pugsley Addams, the mischievous prankster passionate about explosives. King showcased his vocals during the woeful tune “What If,” where Pugsley laments how terrible life would be if his big sister, Wednesday, never tortured him anymore.

The extraordinarily talented ensemble of ghostly Ancestors, who serve as a Greek Chorus, includes Kelly MacMillan, Jose Contreras, Keira Ballan, Jorge Echeverria, Jade Milam, Chance Ingalls, Juliana Andrea Betancur, and Erik Daughterman.

In 2010, “The Addams Family Musical” opened on Broadway, starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. With a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice

The audience laughed when Byrne regally descended the stairs, donning a June Cleaver crisp white apron.

The standout song, “Just Around the Corner,” with its haunting lyrics, was the perfect vehicle for Byrne to showcase her incredible vocal range. Watching De Jesus and Byrne perform their sensuous “Tango De Amor,” joined by the dancing Ancestors, was worth the price of admission.

The part of Wednesday calls for a strong actor whose fierce facial expressions and body language can reveal her dark side and a deadpan comic who can convincingly deliver sardonic lines. Remarkably, Malia Monk’s passionate portrayal of Wednesday fits that bill. Jared Goodwin gave a note-worthy performance as Wednesday’s love interest, Lucas Beineke, and the onstage chemistry between Monk and Goodwin was palatable.

Gil Brady gave a nuanced performance as Mal Beineke, Lucas’s uptight, control-freak father. Broadway star Crystal Kellogg aced the role of Alice Beineke, a people-

Dustin Lawson’s dramatic gothic makeup and outstanding wig and costume designs enhanced the musical’s macabre mood. Under Keith Andrews’ astute direction, the entire cast delivered award-worthy performances, and his eclectic choreography, featuring a line dance, bunny hop, twist, tango, a chorus line, and vaudevillian steps, added to the overall success of this stellar production.

Keep your eyes open for Cousin It’s appearance! Charles Addams’ wacky and wonderful characters have been haunting people for almost 100 years, so with that ghoulish guarantee, go see this “to die for” musical which runs through February 16, 2025. To purchase tickets, contact the Box Office at 631286-1133 or visit www.TheGateway.org.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an awardwinning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.

Photos courtesy of Jeff Bellante

Eastport-South Manor Boys Varsity Indoor Track: Conquered League & County Titles

By Ashley Pavlakis

It’s too cold to run outside, but the indoor track at Suffolk Community College brought the heat as the Eastport-South Manor (ESM) Jr./Sr. boys varsity track team secured the League III championship title last month.

The Sharks are led by Brian Methven, a twenty-first-year head coach of the varsity track team. In December, Methven was awarded coach of the year honors. He is joined by assistant coach John DiMarco. The ESM Sharks are members of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and compete in League III.

“Indoor track there is no [season] record, you have a league championship against the particular league you’re in, which was league III for us. What they do is they take the league champion out of one big meet, so you go against all the teams in your league. We won the league championship on January 17, and we won the County Championship on Saturday,” said Methven.

Having won two titles over the past few weeks, the Sharks could seek another if they have athletes who qualify for states.

“After that [counties] they have a state qualifying meet which is really for individuals to go to the state meet. In track and field, there is no real team that travels to the state meet, it’s more individual based for Long Island,” said Methven.

We talk about depth so often in sports, but it’s a major success component for any sports team. The Sharks are no different, and

Methven could attest to that fact.

“Honestly, we’re spread out really well, so we have a lot of strengths. We have distance runners, we have a good sprinter, and we have very good high jumpers. In order to win and be successful you definitely have to have it spread out a little bit. I can’t say we’re stronger than one thing than others, but we’re spread out really well,” said Methven.

“The seniors are the reason why we won; they scored the most points. We had three seniors on our team that scored a combination of fifty points. Justin Albanese is a distance runner and he’s one of the best distance runners in the county he won his 1,000-meter race. Jaiden Campbell, who is a high jumper, came in second and jumped 6’2” and also came in second in the hurdles. We have Riley Gimpbell who came in second in the 55-meter dash and came in fourth in the high jump. Between those three that was obviously a huge component to our success,” said Methven.

Methven spoke about roster size and how in track it starts with a large group but eventually dwindles down to roughly eighteen to twenty-two kids who have qualified for the meets and events they compete in. The select group is the ones who are in it for the long hall as the season gets to league, county, and maybe even states.

“In the championship meets it really shows up in depth. Those are the teams that usually are successful,” Methven told The Messenger of his versatile squad.

Rocky Point Girls Wrestling: Winning on The Mat

By Ashley Pavlakis

Wrestling is a unique sport in that two people use different techniques to pin each other to the mat. The sport is largely popular among males, but it’s growing in the female sports world recently. The Rocky Point Eagles girls wrestling team is making a name for itself on Long Island.

The Eagles are members of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and compete in League I. The school is one of five in Suffolk County to offer wrestling as part of their athletic offerings. The squad finished the regular season with a 5-3 record.

The squad is coached by second year head coach Anthony DeVito, who is joined by assistant coach C.J. Archer. In January, the Eagles competed at the 2025 New York State Girls Duals Journeymen in Albany. The road trip back to Long Island was a happy one as they returned with the title in hand.

“It means everything. The girls having the opportunity to compete and wrestle against other girls is great to see. The sport of girls wrestling has been going in this direction for a while now, and it is fun to watch Rocky Point compete in the first sanctioned season of girls wrestling. I am grateful to be in this position and to be able to coach a sport that is considered to be one of the fastest growing sports in the country,” said DeVito.

The Eagles entered the tournament where they competed in three matches. They took on the Phoenix and won 39-25, moved on to Minisink Valley and trounced them 45-17, and went on to finish their run with a 38-18 win over Shenendehowa to claim the championship.

“It was an amazing experience to be involved in this event and wrestle alongside some of the top teams in New York State. The girls realizing that they can compete at a high-level was something to definitely take away from this,” said DeVito. “The main concept for them to take from that weekend is the understanding that they can compete with anyone, just put your best

foot forward and focus on the controllables. This has definitely helped our mindset as well. Wrestling is a mental game with highs and lows, and this is something that we have used to help us prepare for the post-season and to reach individual goals.”

Before the season, four Eagles were named to Newsday’s Top-Thirty female wrestlers list. Junior Angelica Smiech, freshman Julianna Hernandez, sophomore Madison Hernandez, and senior Ava Capogna. While it’s a nice accolade to receive, the girls more than proved themselves with their hard work on the mat.

Most notably, Capogna, who has been wrestling since she was a young girl, has been competing at the varsity level since she was in seventh grade. The varsity captain has won at least thirty-eight bouts in her high school wrestling career. In November, she announced her verbal commitment to East Stroudsburg University where she will further her athletic and academic careers at the next level.

Freestyle wrestling was implemented for the 2024-25 season in New York State by the NYSPHSAA in their executive committee meeting in October 2023. This style of wrestling is also used at the women’s collegiate level. In addition to the transition from folkstyle to freestyle, the board also permitted a girls’ wrestling state championship to take place this month for the first time.

“One word to describe them is ‘Selfless’. They are willing to do whatever it takes for the cause of the team, and they are constantly there for each other. The way they have come together and work together as a unit is bigger than just the wrestling itself. We wrestle to make memories and create friendships that can last a lifetime. I believe the reason we have found success on the mat is because of how close this team is and how they support one another,” DeVito told The Messenger